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Watch: Blackhawks and Sharks stars drop gloves

NHL stars generally don't drop the gloves very often. But Friday night, two of the league's bigger stars fought each other. The play started when Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews drove San Jose Sharks

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The scrap started when Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews drove San Jose Sharks captain Joe Thornton from behind into the boards. They had some words, but had to get back into the play because there was a delayed penalty against Toews.

When the Blackhawks touched the puck to stop play, Toews went after Thornton and the two began fighting.

According to hockeyfights.com, Toews hadn't fought since Jan. 2, 2010, and had only two NHL fights before Friday.

Thornton had 25 previous fights since 1997-78, the most recent one last April.

Maybe that, and a 2-inch height advantage, is why Thornton had the upper hand. Toews, who instigated while wearing a visor, got nine penalty minutes to Thornton's five.

Explained Toews to reporters after the game: "I think the last handful of games, including the last season, there's always stuff going on, whether it's after the whistles or during the play. I guess it just comes down to players that are maybe trying to get under your skin or test you a little bit. I just figured at some point I had to stand up for myself."